CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Congratulations to Fletcher Farrar (Springfield First), who on June 4 received the James C. Craven Freedom of the Press Award from the Illinois Press Association. Fletcher is the long-time owner and editor of the Illinois Times in Springfield. The organization recently began a transition to become a community foundation as Fletcher steps out of the editor role. The newspaper prints about 20,000 copies a week for distribution. Kudos, Fletcher!

Congrats also to Harold Rose (Canton), who was named 2026 Parade Marshal of Canton’s Friendship Festival. Harold was recognized for his “decades of dedication to the students and community of Canton.”

And congratulations and best wishes to Wendy McFadden (Highland Avenue), long-time publisher of Brethren Press and Messenger magazine, who retired July 31. Wendy also received the Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries’ Revelation 7:9 Award at Annual Conference last month. Happy birthday to Anet Satvedi (Panther Creek), a retired ordained minister in the district, who will be celebrating his 90th on Aug. 28. A celebration with friends and family was held on Aug. 1.

Kourtney Cole (Chicago First) is among the recipients of this year’s Church of the Brethren Health Care Education Scholarships. She is attending Southern University Nursing School. In all, 10 scholarships of between $3,000 and $9,000 were awarded, totaling $75,000.

Canton carried out a significant renovation project over the summer, removing all the pews to renew and refinish the sanctuary floor. Canton answered the question of “How many Brethren does it take to move a pew?” with “As many as are willing to help!” … The congregation’s planned outdoor worship and picnic on July 19 ended up moving indoors due to weather and wildfire smoke.

Chicago First dealt with a major water break last month, when a pipe under the narthex burst on July 13. The church’s handyman/maintenance expert, Luis Casanova, was eventually able to repair the problem with some creativity, but only after a number of events (including Chicago First’s July 19 worship) had to be cancelled. Earlier, the congregation held a special Father’s Day worship (led by Rafael Boria) and picnic on June 21 in the adjacent community garden.

Dixon this summer has been giving members opportunities to share prayers for peace through “Prayer in a Bowl.” Members write their prayers for personal, community, and global peace on slips of paper that are collected in a bowl and held in prayer through the following week.

Freeport on Aug. 1 offered a back to school “Jesus in the Neighborhood” event, inviting neighbors into the fellowship hall for snacks, games, and backpacks and other school supplies. 

The Madtown Brethren group (Madison, Wis.) will hold a worship/fellowship and planning time on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m., at the Goodman Community Center in Madison. The house church group, which meets periodically, will be shaping its vision and setting dates for the coming year.

Mount Morris held an outdoor worship and breakfast at Camp Emmaus on July 19, with Jonathan Shively preaching. … Earlier in the summer, the congregation also held a “Bein’ Friendly” dessert gathering to meet those who live in their neighborhood. About 8 to 10 neighbors attended.

Peoria First is collecting school supplies for two local schools during the month of August. … The congregation also has an outdoor worship service and picnic scheduled for this Sunday at a local park.

Woodland (Astoria) supplies the community’s Blessing Box at the Shelf, providing nonperishable food for those in need in the area.

York Center (Lombard) is working on plans for a 75th anniversary celebration on Oct. 18. Details are still in the works. The congregation has recently been sharing photos and memories from past directories in anticipation of the event.

Several of our congregations have been having listening sessions and conversations recently regarding the use and future of their buildings. We hold them in prayer as they discern, envision, and explore.

Ecumenism Metro Chicago will hold a “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” ecumenical prayer service on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church’s Buchanan Chapel in Chicago (115 E. Delaware Place). The event will mark the International Day of Prayer for Peace. The event will conclude with a peace walk on Michigan Avenue, with closing prayer in the church courtyard. All are welcome.

Do you have congregational news: celebrations, milestones, “Jesus in the Neighborhood” stories or other things to share with our district family? Please send them to iwdde@outlook.com.